Chocolates are often considered to help reduce stress when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. And it happens because of cocoa content, which is rich in flavanols and other plant compounds that have antioxidant properties and may support brain health. But what if your chocolate lacks cocoa content and is not even made with just vegetarian ingredients? Keeping these in view, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued notices to three popular brands. According to FSSAI's Instagram post, they have issued notices to several brands over misleading claims & labelling violations in packaged products. The companies have been directed to show cause as to why action should not be initiated against them. Scroll down to read the details.



Lotte India




Notice was issued regarding utilization of non-compliant pre-printed labels without prior approval and non-compliances observed in the label and claim made on various products marketed by Lotte India Corporation Private Limited. According to the notice, the company utilised non-compliant pre-printed labels bearing the old company name "Lotte India Corporation Limited" without obtaining prior approval. Lotte Choco Pie with Rich Marshmallow, Lotte Choco Pie Real Orange and Lotto Choco Pie Choco Burst bear the claim '100% vegetarian,' which has been found to be misleading. PEPERO Crunchy Biscuit Sticks Carton and PEPERO 'Original Biscuit Stick' do not provide nutritional information in the prescribed manner as required under the FSS (Labeling and Display) Regulations. LOLLY BLISS Lollipop does not comply with the vitamin level under the provision of the FSS (Advertising and Claims) Regulations. FRUITS Eclairs bear a product name that is likely to create a misleading impression since the products do not contain fruits. Further, the mandatory disclaimer for the brand/trade name, as required unde the FSS has not been provided in the front of the pack.



The company has been directed to submit an explanation within 7 days as to why action should not be initiated under the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006 and the Rules & Regulations made thereunder.



Kubera Foods





FSSAI issued notice over misleading front-of-pac claims of '100% Natural" and "No Preservatives, Colours and Flavours" on "Soft anf Fresh Cream Bun Pineapple" despite the product label declaring Preservative (INS 282), Synthetic Food Colour (INS110_ and Added Flavouring Substances. The claim pure, fresh and natural were found violating the provisons governing the use of these terms under Schedule V of the FSS (Adversting 7 Claims) Regulations. Also, the claim 100% Natural was found misleading and didnot comply with the directions issued by FBOs and FSSAI advisory. According to the notice, the claim 'No Added Preservatives, Colours and Flavour' is also misleading since the product contains Presevatives, Synthetic colour and even added flavouring substances, as declated on the product label.



The company has been directed to submit an explanation within 7 days as to why action should not be initiated under the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006 and the Rules & Regulations made thereunder.



Ferns N Petals Private Limited




The notice was issued regarding misleading claims including 'Premium Chocolate' on the front of the pack despite the product containing Hydrogenated Vegetable Fat and not carrying the mandatory declaration for chocolates containing vegetable fat. The product was also found to have labelling deficiencies regarding %RDA declaration and ingredient disclosure.



The product contained hydrogenated vegetable fat in place of cocoa butter, however, the mandatory declaration prescribed under the FSS Act has not been provided on the label. Chocolates containing vegetable fats other than cocoa butter are required to bear the declaration: "CONTAINS COCOA BUTTER EQUIVALENT/VEGETABLE FAT IN ADDITION TO COCOA BUTTER."



The nutritional information panel didnt not declared the %RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) values as required under the FSS Regulations, 2020. Also, the product is marketed as Almond Chocolate and the label displays images of almonds, however, the ingoing percentrage of almond has not been declared in the ingredient list.



The company has been directed to submit an explanation within 7 days as to why action should not be initiated under the provisions of the FSS Act, 2006 and the Rules & Regulations made thereunder.